Invisible garter



Oct. 1929. H., M. HERBENER 1,731,100

INVISIBLE GARTER Filed Sept. 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet l Que/ion:

jmry JVL Herberzer, I

Oct. 8,. 1929.

H. M. HERBENER INVISIBLE GARTER Filed Sept. 4, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 8, 1929 PATENT orrlcs HENRY M. EEBIBENEB, OF THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA mvrsmnn GABTEB.

Application filed September 4, 1926. serial No. 133,652.,

, My invention relates to garters of the limb encircling type.

In accordance with my invention, I produce a garter, which when worn, is invisible, not only from observation, but which will be substantially flat and not producing any noticeable roll in the stocking. The garter will not tear the stocking, and by the use of the garter, the reinforcin of the stocking at the w top may be dispensed with. The garter is cheap, waterproof, washable and highly sanitary.

In the accompanying drawir gs, forming a part of this specification, and in which like i numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a garter embodying my invention,

W6 2 is a side elevation of the same showing it applied to the leg,

Figure 3 1s a simiiar view showing the stocking applied to the lower section of the garter, 1 Y

Figure 4 is a similar view showing the top section folded over the top of the stocking,

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the garter, the same being turned so that it is covered by the stocking,

Figure 5 is 'a transverse section taken on line 5-5 of Figure 1,

Figu of Figure 1,

Figure 6 is an enlar ed transverse sect on through the arter an top of the stocking s5 illustrating t e first step in securing the stocking to the garter,

Figure 7 is a, similar view showlng the second step including the folding of the top section of the garter over the stockings,

4o Fi including the turning of the folded garter rearwardly,

Figure 9 is a similar view show ng the last step of turning the folded garter rearwardly the second time,

re 5 is a section taken on line 59-5 re 8 is a similar view showing the third Figure 10 is a fragmentary side elevation Figure 11 is a longitudinal section taken on line 11"11 of Figure 10,

Figure 12 is a side elevation of a garter embogymg a modified form of the invention, an

Figure 13 is a transverse section through the same.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration, is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, attention being called first to Figures 1 to 9, inclusive, the numeral 15 designates an annular body portion of the garter which is formed of a smooth rubber sheet, free from fabric reinforcing. This sheet is thin and is flesh color. The annular body portion is formed in annular upper and lower sections 16 and 17 foldable along an intermediate circumferential line 18. In order that this folding may be conveniently accomplishe'd, the annular sections 16 and 17 are provided with spaced transverse stiffening ribs 19 and 20. These ribs are preferably molded integral with the rubber sheet and are flesh color. The ends ofthe ribs 19 and 20 terminate adjacent to the transverse line 18 and the transverse ribs 19 are staggered with respect to the ribs 20, so that one set of ribs may interfit between the other set as is obvious.

The function of these ribs is to slightly transversely reinforce the annular sections 16 and 17 so that they will readily fold upon the line 18. The thin rubber sheet between the ribs 19 and 20 may be provided with apertures 20, which increase the elastops of the ribs 19, for a considerable distance, providing an extension 21, for a purpose to be described.

In the use of the garter, the same may be applied to any suitable portion of the leg, and for the purpose of illustration I have shown the same applied to the calf of the leg, for use with short stockings. The garter is first applied, as shown inFigure 2, and then the top of the stocking is brought over the lower section 17 of the garter, as clearly shown in Figures 3 and 6. The top section 16 of the garter is now folded transversely upon the line 18 so that the parts assume the position as shown in Figures 4 and 7. The folded arter now has the top of the stocking held etween its sections. The folded garter with the top of the stocking held therebetween is now turned once rearwardly, so that the parts assume the position shown in Figure 8. The section 17 is now arranged outermost with one ply of the stocking covering the same. The garter is then again turned rearwardly so that the parts assume the position shown in Figure 9. Section 16 is now arranged outermost. There is one ply of the stocking upon the inner side of the section 17 and one ply upon the outer side of the section 16.

' The extension or flange 21 of the section 16 extends downwardly beyond the ribs 19 and 20, thereby producing a tapered or gradual .efiect preventing an abrupt appearance of the garter. When a thin stocking is worn, the garter will show through the same, but since this garter is flesh color it will not be noticeable. The garter is substantially invisible and the turn or fold of the stocking at the top is not perceptible, the obj ectional roll being entirely eliminated.

In Figure 10, I have shown a slight modification of the invention. In this figure, the arter is adjustable and for this purpose the band 15 is split andis provided with'straps 22 and 23, having notches 24. The straps 22 and 23 are adjustably passed through fiat loops 25, attached to the ends of the band 15. The free ends of the tongues carry fiat buckles 26, attached thereto, which are adjustable upon these tongues, and preferably engage within the notches 24. The garter is, therefore, adjustable longitudinally and operates in precisely the same maner as explained in connection with the first buckle. In Figures 12 and 13, I have shown a further modification of the invention. ,The garter includes a single elastic band 28, preferably formed of a rubber sheet free from fiber reinforcement. This band is thin and highly elastic and is provided at spaced intervals with transverse stifiening ribs 29, preferably formed integral therewith, whereby the annular band may be transversely turned. Attached to the ends of the ribs 29 are U-shaped clamps 30, for securing the stocking to the band. The band 28 is preferably flesh color. The upper end of the stocking is passed over the band 28 and held within the clamps. The band with the stocking attached thereto is then turned transversely upon the leg, to cover the band with the stocking.

It is to be understood that the forms, of my invention, herewith shown and described, are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of'the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim 1. An invisible garter comprising an annular body portion formed of flesh color sheet rubber, said annular body portion embodying annular sections, said sections having spaced transverse stiffening ribs, one section being adapted to be folded upon the other section so that the end of the stocking may be held between said sections, the folded garter being adapted to be turned upon the leg.

2. An invisible garter comprising an annular body portion formed. of thin fiesh color sheet rubber, said annular body portion embodying annular sections, said sections having spaced transverse stiffening ribs, the ribs of onesection being staggered with relation to the ribs in the other section, one section being adapted to be folded upon the other section so that the end of the stocking may be held between the same, the folded garter being adapted to be turned upon the leg, one section having its material extending outwardly beyond the outer ends of its ribs.

3. A garter comprising an annular body portion formed of thin sheet rubber, said an nular body portion having a plurality of an nular sets of transverse stiifening ribs where by the body portion is readily transversely foldable for providing opposed annular sec tions to receive the end of the stocking therebetween.

4. A garter comprising an annular body portion formed of thin sheet rubber, said annular body portion having annular sets of transverse stiifening ribs formed integral therewith whereby the body portion is readily transversely foldable for providing opposed annular sections to receive the end ofthe stocking therebetween.

.5. A garter comprising an annular elastic body portion, having annular sets of transverse stifiening ribs, whereby the body portion is readily transversely foldable for pro= able transversely upon itself providin annuone section being provided at lar sections, spaced intervals with transverse stiflenin portions which prevent the transverse fol mg of said sections when the garter is turned over.

In testimon whereof I afiix mvasfi NRY M.-HER ER.

J er which is flesh color ature. 

